National Junior Classic 2018 teams announced

AUSTRALIA’S best junior teams have earned the right to compete in the 2018 National Junior Classic.

With the qualification period concluding on Friday 1 June, the best MUVJBL teams have earned their place in the National Junior Classic (#NJC18).

Taking part in the nation’s peak elite junior invitational tournament – held 9-11 June over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend – the best Victorian junior teams in each age group will square off against the nation’s best for a tilt at the title.

Dandenong leads the Victorian associations with Classic as the Rangers have qualified seven teams for the tournament. From around Victoria, Bulleen, Nunawading, Knox, Keilor and Hawthorn all have six qualified teams for the National Junior Classic throughout some equally impressive Classic qualifying campaigns.

State championship winning and high ranking sides from South Australia (28 teams) and New South Wales (27 teams) have earned their places while Basketball ACT (seven teams) have also selected representative teams to join the Classic.

Winners from the Basketball Victoria Country (BVC) Junior Championships – Traralgon Under 12 Girls as well as Warrnambool Under 12 Boys and Under-14 Boys – not competing in the MUVJBL have also secured their spots in the Classic.

Other Victorian country teams to qualify – Bendigo, Ballarat, Pakenham and Southern Peninsula – have also earned their places through MUVJBL qualification.

MUVJBL General Manager John Hilton said the 2018 National Junior Classic will push the is set to raise the bar yet again as the best 128 sides descend on Melbourne for the high-calibre contest.

“It’s great to see teams from across Victoria and Australia getting ready for this year’s National Junior Classic,” Hilton said. “For the best teams across Victoria, the Classic is the perfect opportunity for our own to showcase their talents in an elite tournament environment.

“The interstate sides are always excited to attend this tournament – as they get the chance to take on the best in their age group from across the country.

“We wish all the competing teams the best of luck heading to the Classic.”

The invitation-only event is capped at 16 teams per age group with invitations to the Classic extended to the top interstate teams and the highest ranking Victorian teams.

Scheduling information for the National Junior Classic (#NJC18) – including 28 livestreamed games via our Facebook pages – can be found at www.vjbl.com.au.